Extension Educator, -H Youth Development, Lebanon

Penn State Extension seeks an innovative, energetic professional Extension Educator with a passion for positive youth development to help implement the local 4-H program as part of the Lebanon County Team as well as support the statewide program. 4-H utilizes hands‑on activities to foster critical thinking, leadership development, and community engagement. Programs are delivered through nonformal settings, such as 4-H clubs, camps, school enrichment, and after‑school programs.

Volunteers play an important role in the success of these endeavors, serving as club leaders, coaches, and mentors. This position is based at Penn State Extension, Lebanon County, PA. As a representative of Penn State University, this individual works in close collaboration with two existing 4-H Educators to deliver and expand a comprehensive 4-H Animal Science Program across various animal species.

In this collaborative role, the position focuses on growing overall youth and volunteer enrollment, broadening program offerings, and delivering impactful learning experiences through clubs, clinics, camps, and school enrichment.

• Advancing curricula grounded in quality animal care and ethical husbandry.
• Supervising volunteers while maintaining biosecurity and safety standards.
• Building partnerships with local agricultural organizations, fair boards, and stakeholder networks.
• Securing funding; and supporting the State 4-H Animal Science team to execute high‑quality programming and statewide events across Pennsylvania.

• Implement educational programs, materials, and activities as part of the overall efforts of the Pennsylvania 4-H program and the identified needs of the local county.
• Recruit, screen, train, and support adult volunteers.
• Promote the 4-H program to retain current members and recruit new and diverse youth audiences.
• Provide leadership for efforts that reach urban and rural populations. This could include local food production and promotion, broadening connections between urban and rural agriculture, Strengthening economic development through education to help youth and adults with job training, community engagement, leadership development, addressing food insecurity, and meeting the needs of first‑generation 4-H families and those not previously served by Extension.
• Effectively, work with the County 4-H Program Development Committee to plan the local program, including a fundraising strategy.
• Provide effective communication to volunteers, youth, and parents to ensure a quality experience.
• Foster relationships and develop partnerships with other youth-serving groups, schools, or organizations.
• Coordinate registration, supervision, and transportation for participants in 4-H youth events held in other counties, across the state, or out of state.
• Implement program evaluation, documentation, and reporting.
• Provide administrative oversight to 4-H volunteers, youth, and clubs to ensure that policy and procedural expectations are followed.
• Manage funds raised in the name of 4-H at the club and county levels.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programs and Area 4-H Educator.

Candidate should possess teaching, program development, and evaluation skills, and demonstrate positive human relations and effective communication skills necessary to work effectively with youth, parents, leaders, government officials, and the general public. The candidate must be able to carry equipment, educational materials, and supplies, with or without accommodation. Candidate must also be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity.

Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in youth development, agriculture, communication, education, nutrition, community development, leadership, or a closely related field, and with 4-H experience.

Bachelor's…